Understanding and Troubleshooting HDR and GPU Performance Issues with High-End Graphics Cards: A Case Study
Introduction
Upgrading to powerful gaming hardware, such as the NVIDIA RTX 5090, promises an enhanced visual experience. However, new hardware can sometimes introduce unforeseen challenges, especially when coupled with specific display configurations and recent system updates. This article explores a real-world scenario involving HDR display issues, artifacting, and hardware troubleshooting, providing insights into diagnosis and best practices for resolving such problems.
System Overview and Initial Setup
The user’s build includes:
– Processor: AMD Ryzen 9 9800X3D
– Motherboard: X670E series with the latest BIOS
– Operating System: Windows 11 24H2
– Power Supply: 1000W Superflower ATX 3.1 PSU
– Previous GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3080 Ti
– New GPU: Zotac RTX 5090 Solid OC (Openbox purchase)
Display Configuration:
– Main display: 65″ LG C9 OLED TV connected via HDMI for 4K HDR gaming
– Secondary display: 24″ 1080p monitor connected via DisplayPort to HDMI adapter
Initial Problems and Troubleshooting Steps
Upon installing the new GPU, the user experienced frequent HDMI signal interruptions on the OLED TV, accompanied by HDR indicator alerts. Despite driver reinstallation and display recalibration, issues persisted. Switching the TV’s input to HDMI via a DisplayPort-to-HDMI adapter temporarily resolved the signal dropout but resulted in reduced color depth and refresh rate (8-bit, 60Hz).
Investigating Windows HDR Settings
A key insight involved Windows 11’s HDR configuration. By navigating to Settings > System > Display > HDR, and accessing “More about HDR,” the user identified options including “Use Dolby Vision mode” and power-saving features related to HDR.
Adjusting these settings — specifically unchecking “Use Dolby Vision mode” and disabling HDR when on battery — appeared to stabilize the signal, leading to the hypothesis that Windows HDR configurations or Dolby Vision interactions might be conflict sources.
Stress Testing and Hardware Confidence
To rule out underlying hardware issues, the user performed FurMark and 3DMark stress tests, which showed stability. Further, safe undervolting of the GPU (e.g., 2827MHz at +900mV, increased memory clocks) did not induce artifacts.
Emergence of Artifacts and Hardware Evaluation
Subsequently, artifacts appeared during gaming sessions—visual distortions
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